JULY - Edison's Third Birthday - A Day at the Beach!

We took the boat over to Jetty Island on Edison's birthday. It was the hottest day of the year and a perfect day for the beach. They all went early in the morning and scuba dove for Dungeness crabs - they got their limit and had a feast that night. Charlotte and I met them later in the morning. We set up our picnic area in a secluded spot on the north side of the island.
The views of the Cascade mountains were phenomenal on such a clear day. It was also an extraordinarily low tide - you can see in the picture that there is not much water left in the channel. An hour after this picture was taken, we were able to walk about two miles west into what is normally Puget Sound - it was completely surreal and totally fun.
Ahhhhh, so nice to have a shady spot to spend the afternoon with Charlotte.
Edison was really excited to open his birthday card and present.
We gave him a balance bike after hearing numerous positive recommendations. Basically it is a tiny bike with no pedals. Kids learn how to glide and turn pretty quickly (I've heard) and then it is an easy transition to a bike, skipping the training wheel phase. So, we'll see. But Edison does enjoy it so far!
We had a yummy lunch at Kidd Valley in Kirkland with Granddada. Edison was happily surprised by his birthday card and present from Grandada - a hardhat with a headlamp!

Playdates & Camping Out

We've had a great time since summer started. We make playdates with our friends just about every day of the week. A couple weeks ago we went to the Woodland Park Zoo with our friend Jill and her kids, Grace & Jake. Grace & Edison are two peas in a pod.
We got to see a special treat - an elephant getting a bath!
Edison & Charlotte have been doing a lot of brother-sister bonding. They are generally really good playmates although they still need a lot of coaching about sharing.
Charlotte has playdates, too. This one is with her buddy, Ollie. We'll be seeing him every Monday this summer, since his mommy Sara is a teacher, too!
My mom is coming up Wednesdays and Thursdays this summer. She has a great little camper that Edison has always wanted to go camping in. We decided to try it last week and drove over the mountains to Lake Wenatchee - the only area in the state with sunshine!
As you can see, we had a lovely campsite on Nason Creek.

Edison got to sleep up top in Nana's camper - his very favorite spot. Charlotte was in her pack and play in a tent with me. They both ended up going to sleep remarkably well all things considered. We are agreed that the trip was a success and we'll try it again soon!In the morning we went for a lovely hike along the Wenatchee River.
Got to have one picture with the mommy!

Charlotte Walks!

Charlotte is full-blown walking now! She's a little wobbly but her little legs and arms try to keep their balance. It is fun to see how determined she is! We went to the aquarium for Father's Day, right before we dropped Eben off at the airport to head to the east coast. The kids are (clearly) way more interested in the touch tank than the camera. Charlotte is happy she can reach her fingers in the water all by herself now.

Examining the jellyfish tunnel.
The lights in the tunnel change colors and illuminate the jellyfish - making them look really cool.
At least we have six eyes looking at the camera.... Happy Father's Day, Dada!
Future astronaut?

JUNE - Outdoor Fun

I'm not usually a complainer. But I must say that this past spring was really lousy. So it is nice that summer is finally showing up. We have had a few nice days of sunny weather and have taken full advantage of them! Edison got those "rock star" glasses from Nana and the flag from Bestemor at Charlotte's party - he was pretty excited about them as you can see!
Nothing like bubbles! I think I've finally found one that won't spill - since this picture was taken we've already gone through two big containers that Edison accidently tipped over. He also added water to one of them and was surprised it didn't work when he filled it up...
We let Charlotte play with an empty bottle. She'll catch on soon, but for now she likes to practice getting the wand into the bottle.
I also bought a water play table for the summer. Let me me tell you - it has already paid for itself in the hours of entertainment it has provided for both of the kids.
What is it about filling up a bucket and dumping it down a water wheel that is so satisfying?
Yay - it is time for picnic lunches on the deck! I love eating al fresco!
She's not quite scooting on it yet, but she'll toddle over and sit on it for awhile, honk the horn and check out the basket in the front.
Keep your fingers crossed for more good weather for Seattle!

Charlotte's First Birthday!

Charlotte strikes a pose.

We had our friends and family over for a picnic on Charlotte's birthday. We actually celebrated on Monday, her actual birthday. Here she is with Nana in a rare picture sans pacifier.
She tastes the yummy cake.... she likes it!
Mmmmmmmmmm
Edison with his best pal, Grace.
Charlotte with her great-grandmother Bestamor. (Norwegian for great grandmother)
Two kids, one photo, zero eyeballs on the camera. Oh well!
As you can see, Charlotte is a pinky grip away from walking on her own.
She was really interested in her presents. This is a pin that says "Adeline" on it (Charlotte's middle name, named after her great-grandmother Bestamor). The pin was given to Bestamor Adeline on her fourth birthday in 1918. It is a beautiful treasure and was so special to receive. Thank you!
Charlotte liked reading her birthday cards! She also got some really cute clothes - you'll just have to wait for the pictures in the blog once she wears them!

Charlotte with her first doll - a present from Nana.

She is also really excited about this toy, a talking doggie. I had to go online to program it, but it can now say "I love you Charlotte" and plays a bunch of music that I selected, among other talents. Thanks Uncle Floyd & Auntie Kathie! And thank you to everyone for celebrating with us and for supporting us as we raise our kids. You are a wonderful bunch of family and friends!

Mall Rats & Play Time

On a rainy Sunday, we ended up at the mall. They have a nice play area that is perfect for Charlotte - here are the kids peeking out from the other end of a ferry boat.

Making wishes at the fountain.

I really like our stroller, but for some reason, the kids think these rental ones at the mall are way more cool.

Two kiddos in pajamas. It is wonderful seeing Edison interact more with Charlotte. In fact, Nana was looking at pictures with Edison from when Edison was 18 months old. He kept asking where Charlotte was. His whole reality now is that she has always been here - how cute.

We finally had a sunny morning!
The kids actually took turns in the car. Our yard is starting to have its beautiful summer fullness to it.
Charlotte really likes this dancing rabbit. Here she is wiggling around to its song.
Okay, couldn't resist this picture of her little bum in this dress.

Eben & Charlotte having some bonding time. Can you tell she loves her dad?

Just reading in the playroom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Eben and I went to a western-themed going away party for our friend Kathy. She is heading out to Wyoming to work at a fancy-pants dude ranch. What an adventure! We will miss you!

Charlotte looked a little more like a babushka than a cowgirl with the bandana. But she can still pull it off.

Charlotte with Dada.
Charlotte with Nana on Mother's Day. What a beautiful picture!Charlotte and her mommy on Mother's Day. She is now saying "ma-ma" but her first word (and those of you who are parents out there know that "first word" is a bit of a gray area) has been "uh oh!" accompanied of course by lots of dropping items off of the high chair.